Gjesværstappan
Island Seabird island group and protected bird sanctuary
Archipelago of seabird islands off Finnmark hosting large puffin and kittiwake colonies. Boat trips and wildlife cruises bring birdwatchers close during the breeding season.
Gjesvårstappan is a group of steep sea stacks and islands off the village of Gjesvær in Finnmark, northern Norway, designated to protect dense breeding colonies of seabirds. The stacks are notable for large concentrations of puffins, guillemots and other seabirds.
Boat tours and wildlife-watching trips operate in the summer when birds are breeding and visible on the cliffs; landing on the stacks is generally restricted to protect the colonies.
The sea stacks form a rugged offshore landscape of vertical cliffs and ledges used by seabirds for nesting and feeding in adjacent waters.
The islands lie off the coast near the village of Gjesvær in Finnmark, within northern Norway’s Arctic coastal environment.
- Nature reserve: The island group is protected as a nature reserve to conserve significant seabird colonies and is best visited by boat from nearby coastal villages in the summer months.
What to See #
- Seabird cliffs: Sheer sea cliffs and small rocky stacks that support large breeding colonies of seabirds, including Atlantic puffins and various auk species, especially during the summer breeding season.
How to Get to Gjesværstappan #
Gjesværstappan is accessed by boat from the village of Gjesvær on the island of Magerøya. Boat operators run trips in summer from Gjesvær; the village is reachable by road from Honningsvåg and other regional centers along the E69 route.
Tips for Visiting Gjesværstappan #
- Boat trips from Gjesvær offer the best vantage for puffins and kittiwakes - bring binoculars and a windproof layer.
- Summer (June-August) is peak bird season; the cliffs can be noisy and crowded with photographers.
- Respect nesting areas; many colonies are protected and approach distances are regulated.
Best Time to Visit Gjesværstappan #
June-August is the birdwatching season; boat tours operate during these months.
Weather & Climate near Gjesværstappan #
Continental climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (641 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 76 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
